Using "Super" to convert some avi files... need setting advice

[dvd-dude]

Hi everyone,

I just downloaded and installed Super the other day and I love it so far. However, I'm a little unsure of the best settings to use to convert some of my avi files. I'll be converting them to VOB to burn to DVD but I'd like to preserve the medium-quality of the files as best I can without sacrificing a ton of space. I had some questions I was hoping you could help me with.

1.) If you're converting to VOB and you're looking for the best compromise of space/quality per DVD does it make sense to use MPEG1 or MPEG2 as the codec?

2.) Will I get any better results by using a higher video bitrate than that of the original file? I think the original uses DIVX at an average of around 2200mbps. Will using a higher bitrate with MPEG yield sugnificantly better results?

3.) If the original file is 25 fps should I leave it or convert it to 29.97fps? I'm assuming I want to convert it if I plan on watching it on a regular TV and DVD player.

4.) Should I bother increasing the video size to 720x480 if the original is smaller? It seems like I will save space and lose no quality by keeping it closer to the original window size. However, I've heard I should force a 4:3 aspect ratio (and possibly apply a force stretch).

5.) Is there any other advice you can offer me? I know it's a lot of trial and error... I haven't seen huge differences in the tests I've done. There's been some extra artifacts added here and there but I think that's simply because I'm re-encoding an already encoded file. I just don't want to convert all of my files and later find out there was something simple I should've adjusted for the best results.

I appreciate your advice! Thanks!

-DVD-Dude

[guns1inger]

1. Depends on your source. If it is low resolution (i.e closer to VCD than DVD) then mpeg 1 is OK, as long as you adhere to the DVD specs (see What is DVD - top left corner of this site). Otherwise, use mpeg2.

2. Appropriate bitrate varies from codec to codec. Bitrates that are acceptable using mpeg4 will not be acceptable using mpeg2. As a general rule you need 3 - 4 times the bitrate when converting from Divx/Xvid to mpeg2. That said, 2200 is pretty high for Divx, so you might get away with 2 - 3 times in this instance.

3. If you must change the framerate from PAL to NTSC, go from 25 fps to 23.976 fps with 2:3 pulldown. This will cause less distortion and less jerkiness than going to 29.976 fps.

4. If you are creating a DVD, you must comply with the DVD specification. Again, I refer you to What is DVD (top left corner).

5. There are probably better options for converting to DVD compliant output than SUPER. ConvertXtoDVD is much simpler, but only does avi (and variants) to DVD, where SUPER has a lot more conversion options. Ultimately, the best method means using the best tools for the job - usually different tools at each stage - and takes more time to learn and execute. However the difference in quality of output can be large and worth the effort.

[redwudz]

1.If you are planning to burn to DVD, then you would normally use MPEG-2 format. It the quality is low and you want to save space, you could use MPEG-1. Think of MPEG-1 as VHS or VCD quality.

2. The Divx bitrate really has no relation to the MPEG bitrate. High for a MPEG-2 would be 8500 or so. When you get down to 3000 or so, you might consider using MPEG-1 or 1/2 D1 format, or the quality will suffer. I would use between 4000-6000, but there are other issues involved, like filesize and what the original quality is.

3.If you want to watch it on a NTSC (US) TV you will have to convert it to 29.97 or other compatible NTSC framerate.

4. Same answer as above. You have to use a compatible NTSC framesize. The aspect ratio depends on what the AVI used. You would use the same.

5.First, look at 'What is' DVD to the upper left. It gives the DVD specifications that you need to use.

Super is a good converter of some formats. But for what you have in mind ConvertXToDVD would be a better choice. There is a freeware version of it (DivxToDVD) that would probably work better if you are converting Xvids to DVD, You would have to 'Author' the files that SUPER produces, they won't work in a DVD disc as MPEGs and SUPER doesn't create the VOBs, IFOs, and other parts of a DVD disc that are required. 'What is DVD' will show you that. You might also read the FAQs to the left and many of your questions may be answered. <<<<<<

EDIT: guns1inger, you must type faster than me. At least we came to about the same conclusions.